Preview: Devils vs. Flyers

New Jersey Devils

newjerseydevils.com – Since starting slowly in their new home, the Devils now seem comfortable playing at Prudential Center.

The Devils look to extend their 10-game home winning streak over the Philadelphia Flyers tonight when they host their Atlantic Division rivals for the third time this season (7 p.m., FSN NY, WFAN 660 AM).

Head coach Brent Sutter's group has won three straight and eight of its last nine games in Newark after losing four of their first seven.

New Jersey (22-14-3) continued its strong play Wednesday with a 3-2 victory over Florida. Jamie Langenbrunner and Noah Clarke scored first-period goals, and Martin Brodeur stopped 31 shots as New Jersey won for the fourth time in five games.

The Devils had gone eight consecutive games without a first-period goal before Wednesday.

"Having a lead is what you play hockey for," Brodeur said. "You always want to be ahead but sometimes you can't control these things. It was definitely nice to come out and get two goals early in the game."

While the Devils and Flyers have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, it has been very one-sided lately with New Jersey going 13-1-1 in the past 15 regular season meetings. Philadelphia is 0-8-2 on the road against the Devils since a 3-1 victory on March 9, 2004.

Brodeur has played the biggest role in the Devils' success against the Flyers, recording every decision during the 13-1-1 stretch while compiling a 2.17 goals-against average. His 39 wins versus Philadelphia are his most against any opponent.

New Jersey has outscored Philadelphia 14-5 in three straight wins this season after losing the first meeting 4-0 on Oct. 18.

A recent six-game losing streak dropped the Flyers (19-14-4) out of first place in the Atlantic - a spot now occupied by the Devils - but Philadelphia has rebounded with three straight wins, including a 1-0 victory at Florida on Sunday.

Philadelphia is still without left wing Simon Gagne, a two-time 40-goal scorer. Gagne hasn't played since Nov. 7 because of a concussion, but could be back in the lineup as early as next week.

Right wing Scottie Upshall missed Sunday's game with a sprained right ankle, but has not been ruled out for Friday. Defenseman Randy Jones has missed three of the last four games with a knee injury and isn't likely to play against New Jersey.

Left wing Patrik Elias, who has missed the last two games with a groin injury, hopes to play either Friday or Saturday at Boston.
with wire services